Best SD Cards For Nintendo Switch
Expert recommendations based on Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL specifications
Recommended Spec
SDHC (officially up to 32GB, SDXC works unofficially) (Class 10 or faster)
Nintendo supports SDHC cards up to 32GB in the 3DS family, but 64GB and 128GB cards work once formatted FAT32. The original 3DS and 3DS XL take full-size SD; the New 3DS and New 3DS XL take microSD.
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#1 Top Pick for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL
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Official Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL SD Card Requirements
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Format: SDHC (officially up to 32GB, SDXC works unofficially)
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Minimum Speed: Class 10 (Not specified write)
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Maximum Capacity: Up to 128GB (unofficial, requires FAT32 formatting)
Why these requirements? Nintendo officially supports SDHC cards up to 32GB. SDXC cards up to 128GB work when formatted FAT32 on a computer. Class 10 cards speed up eShop downloads and data transfers.
Detailed Specifications
Type
SDHC (officially up to 32GB, SDXC works unofficially)
Min Speed Class
Class 10
Write Speed
Not specified
Recommended Size
32GB, 64GB, 128GB
Max Capacity
128GB (unofficial, requires FAT32 formatting)
Top SD Card Recommendations
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| SD Card | Verified | Speed Class | Write Speed | Pros | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I
Full Review
|
C10 | Up to 40 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price | |
Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
Full Review
|
V30 | Up to 45 MB/s |
|
$ Check Price |
Compare These Cards
Open in full compare toolSee how the recommended cards for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL stack up side by side, or swap in any other card.
budget
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SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassC10
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 120 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 40 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Cheap and reliable for photos and 1080p.
Cons
- Not V30 rated. Not for 4K video.
budget
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Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
$ · Budget- UHS RatingUHS-I
- Speed ClassV30
- App PerformanceN/A
- Read SpeedUp to 95 MB/s
- Write SpeedUp to 45 MB/s
- EnduranceStandard
Available Capacities32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB
Pros
- Budget V30 SD card.
Cons
- Slower than Lexar Silver and Gold.
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SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I
The SanDisk Ultra SD UHS-I reads up to 120 MB/s and writes up to 40 MB/s. It is a Class 10 card for photos and 1080p video; it is not V30 rated, so skip it for 4K.
Target User:
Budget-conscious photographers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts
Best For:
Smartphones & Tablets, Mirrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras
Consider the Lexar Professional instead for slightly faster speeds, or the PNY Elite for a similar performance at a slightly higher price point.
Lexar Professional 633x SD (Blue Series)
The Lexar Professional 633x SD is a budget V30 card that reads up to 95 MB/s and writes up to 45 MB/s. It covers 1080p and 4K up to about 100 Mbps.
Target User:
Hobbyists, amateur filmmakers, and professionals on a budget
Best For:
Mirrrorless Cameras, DSLR Cameras, Smartphones & Tablets
Consider this option over more expensive alternatives when seeking a budget-friendly solution with reliable performance. In comparison to some entry-level options, this card is a significant step up, but may not keep pace with more high-end alternatives. However, for those on a tight budget, it's a great way to avoid overspending on SD card capacity and speed.
Featured Products on Amazon
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Kingston Canvas Go Plus 128GB microSD Card | Up to 200MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U3, V30, A2 | SDCG4/128GB
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Kingston 128GB Canvas Select Plus microSD Card | Up to 150MB/s | Class 10, UHS-I, U1, V10, A1 | SDCS3/128GB
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Frequently Asked Questions
What SD Card Do I Need for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
The Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL takes a SDHC (officially up to 32GB, SDXC works unofficially) card rated Class 10 or faster. 32GB or 64GB or 128GB covers most owners, and the maximum is 128GB (unofficial, requires FAT32 formatting). Buy SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung or Kingston from a reputable seller: counterfeit cards are the most common cause of lost files.
Can I use a 64GB or 128GB card even though Nintendo says 32GB max?
Yes, if you format it FAT32 first. Cards over 32GB ship formatted exFAT, which the 3DS can't read. Windows needs a third-party tool to format large cards FAT32; macOS Disk Utility can do it directly.
Does the 3DS use microSD or full-size SD?
It depends on the model. The original 3DS and 3DS XL take full-size SD. The New 3DS and New 3DS XL take microSD, behind a back cover that needs a small screwdriver.
Is Class 10 required for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
Yes. Class 10 guarantees Not specified of sustained write, which keeps the Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL free of slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Faster cards work too.
What size SD card should I get for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
32GB covers light use; 128GB suits heavy use. The maximum is 128GB (unofficial, requires FAT32 formatting).
Can I use older or slower cards with Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
Not below Class 10. Slower cards cause slow loads, stutter, or write errors. Check the card label for the Class 10 mark.
Does the card type matter for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
The Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL accepts SDHC (officially up to 32GB, SDXC works unofficially). Choose by speed class and capacity; the device's limits are the same for each.
Does the brand matter for Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
Yes. SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung and Kingston cards meet their rated speeds. Buy from the brand's store or a major retailer: counterfeit cards sold under those names are common on marketplaces.
What happens if I use the wrong card with Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
A card slower than Class 10 causes slow loads, stutter, or write errors. A card over the maximum capacity or in the wrong format may not be recognized.
How long will an SD card last in Nintendo 3DS / New 3DS XL?
Several years in normal use. Cards usually fail from wear or counterfeit flash, not age. Replace yours at the first write error, corrupted file or "card not recognized" message.